On Saturday, April 16, after more than 8 years of major medical issues, Brian Graham’s tired body gave way to eternal rest. Brian entered this world by surprising us all, arriving six weeks early on April 1, 1979 to Doug and Linda Graham. He truly was an April Fools baby.
Born and raised in Helena, Brian graduated from Helena High School going to both Montana State University and the University of Montana where he completed his college education in marketing. He returned to Helena to find a career he would enjoy and develop professionally. Brian worked at a number of different jobs. Where he seemed most comfortable was behind a counter where he could interact with patrons in front of him and encourage conversations among each other. His personality was engaging. He had a way of making people feel good about themselves. He was good at interacting with people; creating friendships that would last his lifetime. People that knew him would say he would give the shirt off his back for a person in need. He was kind and lead life with a thoughtful heart.
Brian followed the sports industry and had an uncanny ability to remember sports trivia. He would often say it was too bad he couldn’t make money off it. If you knew Brian, you knew he was passionate about the Denver Broncos. Very early in his life he followed the team and #7 John Elway. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Duke basketball were also among his favorites.
Brian’s daughter Zoee was truly the love of his life. Born September 6, 2011 she was the driving reason he worked so hard to overcome his health obstacles. Brian loved to watch her ballet performances and her games on the soccer field. They were beginning to play golf together. He found she could beat him at foosball and rummy. Friday nights were “date night” when they would have pizza or eat Chinese food and watch a movie. On special date nights, they would dress up and go out. He would bring flowers to school on her birthday and have lunch with her. Brian and Zoee recently went on a seven-day cruise celebrating spring break and his birthday along with his parents. This was a much anticipated trip as they had waited for two years due to Covid to go. Zoee would tell him she loved him “the most in the whole world”.
Brian is survived by his daughter Zoee, brother Nick and wife Rose; sister Kelli and husband Jeff, Sam Hope and Harper Hoffman; grandmother Katie Spiroff; his mom and dad as well as a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by this grandparents, Jerry and Mary Louise Graham and Joe Spiroff.
The family wishes to particularly thank the cardiac staff at St. Pat’s Providence in Missoula. Their encouragement and personal relationships developed with Brian truly kept him going and Dr. Andrew Gibert, his primary care physician.
In memory of Brian, a donation can be made to an education fund established for Zoee Graham at any Valley Bank location.
A service celebrating Brian’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Brian.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10 :00 am
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10 :00 am
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen Houston says
Doug, Linda and family: Words cannot express how sad I am to hear about Brian. Sending you many prayers and hugs. He was such an amazing kid. Any time I saw him he always had a big hug and smile for me and great conversation. I loved him. RIP Brian.
Carol Jacobsen says
Dear Linda, Doug and family…my heart aches for your loss. I have such fond memories of living beside the Graham family and watching those children grow. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. Please know that you are all, now, and always in my heart.
With love, Carol
Kama Miech-Roberts says
Dear Doug, Linda, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Brian. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Brian would always come talk to me when our paths crossed. I always enjoyed watching him grow from a little boy, with mischievous eyes, to a nice adult man.
Prayers,
Kama
Kathi Cates says
I am so sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Brian. Kathi Cates
Sandy says
So sorry to hear that Brian passed away. He was a great son dad grandson and friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Brian.
Bruce Mihelish says
We feel fortunate our families share our fondest memories together at those wonderful Seeley summer camps. These were the Golden Years for sure. Brian led the way. We will miss him. We love you all!
Mihelish crew
TJ Oelkers says
I have fond memories of sleepovers in 5th and 6th grade where we stayed up all night long in heated WWF wrestling matches and indoor mini hoop basketball games. Not sure how my parents house stayed upright! Brian, your smile will be missed. Rest easy brother.
TJ Oelkers
Susan Miller Vinson says
I am truly sorry to hear of Brian passing. He was always such a joy to be around and was like my little brother. I have lots of fond memories of him. He was an amazing individual and always so kind and incredibly funny. We used to have so much fun picking on each other because of our football teams (I am a Raiders fan lol) My kids and I recently started going every other Monday to have dinner and visit him at work. I am thankful we got time with him. My family and I are sending your family lots of prayers and big hugs. I will miss him!!
Tiffany says
I did not know Brian much beyond elementary/high school. We were not close but I want Brian’s family to know, I remember he was one of the good ones. He was KIND. I’m a so sorry for your loss.
Rebecca Rohrer says
Brian had the best smile and beamed with pride and joy watching Zoee dance! Much love to you all
Miss.Rebecca
Tonna Strasko says
Linda, Doug, and Katie,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We are so sorry for your loss.
God be with you all and hold you closely.
Tonna Strasko
Kara Fenton says
Brian and I went to high school together. He was a few years older but we always ended up hanging around the same people. I will always remember him as the kid that was always smiling and trying to make everyone laugh.
Sending lots of love and prayers to his family and friends.
RIP Brian
Jake Doubek says
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I will echo what everyone else is saying- he knew how to smile, and in return, put a smile other’s faces. I have great memories of Brian on Graham street and all the way through high school. I am thinking of you all.
Sara says
This breaks my heart! Brian always put a smile on my face. Knowing him since smith school and being in nicks grade to Highschool. He would always check up on me or send kind words. At his job everyone was so happy to see him. Sending love to his family and prayers to all.
Sara Rae South
Maria Bachmeier says
I can’t express how my heart breaks with this news. Brian was a huge part of my life. To be exact 29 years of my life. My 1st true love, my best friend and genuinely my soul mate. Wow could he make people smile… Brian truly had the biggest heart and the softest soul I had ever known. I am so blessed that I got to be a part of his life and his journey. He will forever be missed and loved…. Fly high my friend!!!! I love you. HI 5’S
Rick Forrette says
Prayers and condolence for Doug & Linda & family. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. May God wrap his arms around Brian and all of you!
Brit Garrett says
A saying/thought shared amongst Bodhisattva(s);
‘May travelers on the road
Find happiness wherever they go,
And without any effort
Accomplish whatever they set out to do.
May those who travel by ship or boat
Obtain whatever they seek
And, returning safely to the shore
Joyfully reunite with their friends and relatives.’
Truly a Great Friend, Co-Navigator, Co-Scriptor.
A human of the moment, Teacher of the precious now, The Peaceful Warrior, One of Bliss…
Thank You Graham Family & Friends for the opportunity to express gratitude for the many experiences shared, and your continued teachings of compassion, love, togetherness, caring, empathy, nurturing…
Resulting in growth, expanse…Higher Wider Perspectives
Aloha & Mahalo Nui Loa
Jon & Becky Bass says
Doug, Linda, and Katie, and family
We are so sorry for your loss of your son ,and grandson ,brother, and Dad Your in our thoughts and prayers, and I wanted to say I did see you guys at Mom’s funeral. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you and I’am so sorry.!!!! May Our Lord help you through this difficult time and hugs to each you!
Jon & Becky Bass
Donna Erwin says
I remember that cute little kindergarten student who was always enthusiastic about everything in school, had smiles for everyone, and brought joy to his Kindergarten Teacher at Smith School!
Brian’s Kindergarten Teacher,
Donna Erwin
Barry and Cynde Watkins says
Doug, Linda and family, what a wonderful young man you raised. I will always remember him and Travis throughout the years. Brian at our house growing up. Him meeting us with the rest of the gang when we brought groceries in college. I loved meeting Zoee and what a beautiful child she is and what an amazing father Brain was. He will be so missed.
Dan Shea says
Brian Graham man, I’ll tell ya one thing, he was always cool as fuck and real to me, really. Your a good der Brian. The one Most High like his own, authentic genuine people, Brian is one of em. 11 is even.
Linda & John Cameron says
Doug & Linda,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember Brian as such a warm-hearted young man. Our condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are for you through this most difficult time.
RIP Brian.
Goose and Jan Gregson says
Doug, Linda and family,
Sending you all our love, prayers and strength….we are so sorry to hear this news. We hope your memories give you strength and peace as you greet each day.
Kathy Crawford says
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I meant Brain from Maria Bachmier. He was always so sweet and kind and had a great smile. You will be missed deeply. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Mary Brydich says
Doug, Linda and Family – I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Losing a child is so difficult. Please know you are in my prayers. I pray memories will help you through this difficult time.
John and Cheri Larson says
Doug, Linda and Family – Thinking of you all during this time. Brian was a bright spot in life and our hearts are with you as you journey forward. He will always be just a thought or memory away in your lives, and memories are so strong and sustaining. Here’s hoping that each memory makes you smile and look forward to the time you are together again. Sending blessings always.
Ellen Feaver says
Linda and Doug,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a child has to be one of the most difficult experiences a person could endure. I have been thinking about you constantly. Sending you my love.
Cathy (Schneckloth) Dawe says
Linda, Doug and family, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Brian. May God give you peace,comfort and understanding during this very difficult time. Sending prayers and hugs.
James Maher says
Linda and Doug,
Sorry for your loss of son Brian. Although we didn’t know him, we’re certain he was an outstanding guy. How could he be otherwise with such great parents. Our Blackfoot community shares in your loss. Look forward to expressing our sympathy in person.
Deb and Jim
Bob Martinka says
Linda and Doug and Nick,
So very sorry to learn of the loss of Brian. Our thoughts are with you and family.
Bob and Kathy Martinka
Mary Kay Bennett says
To Linda & family:
I am so sorry for all you have had to endure.
Linda, If you’re walking early morning, remember that you are in my prayers. 💙
Shelley Pelc says
Doug and Linda, I am so very sorry. How wonderful that you just returned from a vacation full of memories. I will pray for you and your family. May you find peace.